Page 4 of Fake-Off with Fate
Dale laughs. “If I remember correctly, she didn’t go out with him.”
Defending my position, I tell him, “He should have never tried to get her to.”
“All’s well that ends well,” he drawls.
There’s nothing like a trite platitude.“If you say so.”
“Why don’t we meet at Shirley May’s in town for breakfast in the morning before we head to the arena? That way I can give you a little history on some of the guys.”
“That’s where I’m having supper with the mayor,” I tell him.
“It’s good eating for a town this size,” he assures me before adding, “See you at ten in the morning. And Jamie, thanks for joining the Ice Breakers. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you to leave the Big Apple, but this is going to be a great move for you. I just know it.”
Instead of telling Dale how much I needed to get out of New York, I say, “I’m thirty-five. This is my last stop as a pro. Not only do I love working with you, but I like the idea of my hockey career coming full circle.”
I can tell he’s touched because he pauses like he’s trying to suppress emotion. “Maybe once you’re done playing, you’ll consider being my assistant coach.”
“That’s a real compliment, Dale, but we’ll have to wait and see. New York is still my home and it’s the only place I’ve imagined living out my retirement.”
“You never know, you might meet a nice local girl and settle down right here in Maple Falls.”
“And I might grow wings and take up cliff jumping.” I hurriedly add, “And you know heights aren’t my thing.” Getting involved in a romantic relationship is not on my to-do list. In fact, it’s not on my radar at all.
Undeterred, Dale says, “I know it sounds farfetched, but word is there’s something about this town that sparks love in the hearts of hockey players.” He backs up this pronouncement byadding, “The first year the Ice Breakers’ charity team played, every unattached player got hitched. And they met their intended right here in Maple Falls.”
“There must be a lot of single gals here.” I cringe inwardly at the thought. I’m not in the headspace to fight off female adoration—which unfortunately comes hand-in-hand with being a professional hockey player.
“There not alwaysfromhere,” he says. “But this is definitely where the guys are getting bitten by the love bug.”
“You’d better watch out, or you might be next,” I tease.
“I wouldn’t mind that at all, son. In fact, I’d like to meet a nice lady to spend my downtime with.”
“Good luck,” I tell him. “But I’m not looking.”
With a note of warning in his voice, he tells me, “That’s exactly when Cupid sends his arrows flying.”
I don’t bother responding to such a ridiculous statement. Instead, I tell him, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Dale.” Then I hang up.
I may finish my hockey career in Maple Falls, but I guarantee I will not fall in love here.
CHAPTER 3
ASHLYN
As I dragmy luggage out of my house, my Uber driver feels the need to comment, “You sure don’t travel light.”
I stare down the walkway at him while cocking my go-to-war eyebrow—the left one. “I’m just taking what I need.”
“Are you going away for a year?”
“Are you hoping to get a tip?” I counter. Seriously, if I had enough time, I’d send him on his way and call for another ride.
His attitude changes quickly and he hurries to put my things in the trunk before opening the back door for me. “I’ll get you there in one pieceandon time.”
“Can you get me there without further conversation?” I want to know.
Instead of taking the hint, he asks, “You got a boyfriend?”
